For generations, the Scaccias have given a family-pleasing sport a classic, local home at Boulevard Bowl in Schenectady.
Opened in 1961, Boulevard Bowl has been a Capital District heavyweight in bowling for over 50 years. Through most of those decades, the Scaccia family has been there running the show.
The Scaccias first bought Boulevard Bowl from its original owners in 1985, and it has remained in the family ever since. In August they celebrate 30 years of ownership.
Four years ago, Mike Scaccia and his wife bought the Erie Boulevard-located bowling alley from a family member. Mike Scaccia also owned two other bowling centers before owning this one.
“My wife and I run it together,” said Scaccia. “We also have three beautiful kids who work here, so you’ll see one of us when you come by.”
Bowling is the business for the Scaccia family. It all started with Scaccia’s father who was a bowling mechanic in the Capital District in the ‘60s. All three of his sons now own bowling alleys in the area. While Mike owns the Boulevard Bowl in Schenectady, his brothers own Town and Country Lanes in Guilderland, and Alpha Lanes in Troy.
Just like every good bowling alley should, the Boulevard Bowl has a bar and restaurant, over 50 bowling leagues, rock and bowl on Friday and Saturday nights, and birthday packages offer all the classics. And really, doesn’t every kid deserve at least one birthday at a bowling alley?
“Nobody does it better for last 20 years,” said Scaccia. “The food we have is second to none. We have a full menu – not just fried food. It would compete with a lot of restaurants.”
The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and catering packages. Guests to the restaurant can also watch and bet on horses through OTB. Scaccia says that the alley’s OTB business is huge, and a lot of regulars come for this feature.
Another huge part of their business: giving back to the community. Over the last 30 years the bowling alley has held countless fundraising events for individuals and for businesses, raising a lot of money in the process.
“You name it, we’ve fundraised for it” said Scaccia. He sites the Safe House in Schenectady and the Y as being two of their biggest fundraising partners.
In fact, when this reporter spoke to him, there were about 180 kids from The YMCA who were bowling on each of the alley’s 40 lanes.
“We’re here to provide food and fun” said Scaccia, amidst the roar of the kid’s laughter. “I’ve always tried to say what I mean and mean what I say – make sure people are happy”.
So grab bowling ball, rent a pair of those two-tone sneakers and enjoy a fun, nostalgic game, while supporting a real family-owned, local business: Boulevard Bowl.
